IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
pristine
adjective/ˈprɪstiːn/Band 9
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“pristine” is a Band 9 adjective that means in its original, unspoilt condition; spotlessly clean. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
In its original, unspoilt condition; spotlessly clean.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “The reserve protects a stretch of pristine coastline.”
- “The rainforest remains largely pristine.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
unspoiltuntouchedimmaculate
Antonyms
pollutedspoiltdegraded
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
pristine environmentpristine wildernesspristine condition
Common phrases
in pristine condition
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “pristine” mean?
In its original, unspoilt condition; spotlessly clean.
How do you use “pristine” in a sentence?
For example: “The reserve protects a stretch of pristine coastline.”
What are some synonyms for “pristine”?
Synonyms include unspoilt, untouched, immaculate.
Is “pristine” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 9 vocabulary, and collocations such as pristine environment, pristine wilderness, pristine condition help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
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